Bangkok: Kik Mayurin filed a police report after her photo was used to create fake news and embezzle funds from Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu. Yi Thanakun and Kik Mayurin filed a police report after their photos were used to create fake news about the embezzlement of funds from Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu, which was used to advertise online products. They warned the public that clicking on the photos could lead to their money being stolen.
According to Thai News Agency, veteran actress Kik Mayurin Phongphutphan, along with Thanakun Jit-Isara, president of the Santi Prachadham Club, filed a complaint with investigators at Bang Sue Police Station against seven TikTok accounts for fraud and entering false information into a computer system. This follows the use of Kik Mayurin's photo in connection with a news story about a police raid on a temple in Nonthaburi Province in 2018, which led to the creation of a fake news story claiming that Kik Mayurin had embezzled funds from Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu.
Kik Mayurin said she initially learned yesterday that her photos were being circulated as fake news, but she didn't think it would be a big deal until several more accounts posted similar posts, with all her clips receiving over 5 million views. In the comments, many shills commented on these clips, claiming that regardless of whether the news was real or fake, she had received a large sum of money to make merit because the Meetang55 app had caused misunderstandings and damaged her reputation, so she needed to defend her reputation.
Kik Mayurin insists she has no connection to Wat Phra Bat Nam Phu, having previously donated to the 9 Baht Project as a regular donation. She hasn't donated much to the temple, as she believes it already has many supporters. However, when negative news about the temple emerged, she stated that, from a legal perspective, legal action would be taken. However, from the perspective of a Buddhist practitioner like herself, she believes that when we make merit, we give alms. It is our duty to give. However, the responsibility of the recipient is not to control what they do with the donations. Giving is completely giving away. Even though the donations are intended to help others and may be misused, the merits of the donations have been achieved. The Sangha also needs to improve its internal structure to encourage monks to return to more devout Dhamma practice.
Yi Thanakun also provided information about Meetang55, stating that these TikTok accounts use photos of famous people. In addition to Kik Mayurin, they also include Nam Rapeephat, A Jakkraphat, Pimrypie, Colonel Bird, and many others to create fake news about money laundering or embezzlement charges. Clicking on the news link will lead to Meetang55, claiming it's a money-making app for these celebrities. This not only harms the reputation of the impersonated individuals, but also puts those who click on the link at risk of having their money stolen from their accounts or being scammed in other ways. He also has information about the CEO of the app, and urges the CEO or owner of Meetang55 to clarify their involvement.